At the outset, let me express our gratitude to the Republic of Korea for convening this Open Debate on Non-Proliferation.

Germany aligns itself with the statement delivered by Special Envoy Bylica on behalf of the European Union and wishes to make the following remarks in a national capacity.

Today’s anniversary is significant. On April 28th 2004, the Security Council unanimously adopted Security Council Resolution 1540, and I may add that the Council did so under the presidency of Germany. Ten years later, 1540’s relevance is as high as ever: Attempts by non-state actors to acquire weapons of mass destruction and related material remain one of the most severe threats to global security and to mankind.

In this context, we commend in particular the tireless efforts of the 1540 Committee under your able leadership, Mr. President, as well as the 1540 Group of Experts. We acknowledge the important role of the Committee as a forum for assistance matchmaking in taking the implementation forward.

Germany continues to provide substantial direct support and assistance to other states’ implementation efforts, including through implementing the European Union’s Assistance Program in the area of export controls.

We welcome the efforts of the Chair to look at ways on how to enhance assistance as a key element of Resolution 1540 and would be happy to see this aspect incorporated in a medium-term strategy yet to be elaborated. We also believe that promoting synergies with other counter-terrorism and non-proliferation bodies would be beneficial to enhance implementation.

Mr. President,

Let me highlight an aspect of particular relevance: The implementation of Resolution 1540 needs active involvement of all relevant stakeholders: In this context, the role of industry and the private sector remains a central concern of the German government. This is why two years ago, we initiated the “Wiesbaden Process” in cooperation with the UN Secretariat.

As a result, Germany hosted two major international industry outreach conferences on Resolution 1540. They were aimed at facilitating the Committee’s dialogue with industry, and strengthening the partnership between governments and the private sector. This year, we are envisaging a conference entitled “Governance and Compliance Management”. It will further explore how industry can complement States’ implementation efforts in various areas, such as biosecurity, chemical and nuclear security, transport, brokering and export control. We are confident that this first-ever dialogue process with industry provides valuable input for the Committee: Not only in view of its upcoming Comprehensive Review in 2016, but also for the Committee’s strategy and future priorities.

Very much in the spirit of the Wiesbaden-Process and following the call of the 1540 Committee Chair, I am pleased to announce that Germany has just finalized – together with council member Australia – a paper on effective practiceson how to engage industry in the field of export controls. We hope that it will serve as a tool for reference and may guide or assist other states in their implementation efforts.

Let me, once again, Mr. President, reaffirm Germany's strong commitment to the full and universal implementation of Council Resolution 1540!

Peace and Security

Regional conflicts, fragile or collapsed states, armed conflicts, terrorism and organized crime – all have grave consequences for the people who suffer under them. They also threaten the security and stability of entire regions and peoples.